TRIPLE-EXPANSION ENGINE. She lies on a sand and shingle sea bed. page travelling from Castletown beach using RHIBs. [73] On the far end of the North Eastern Breakwater, on the Weymouth side, is the site of B Pier Head Battery. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. This pre-World War MTB destroyer sank while being towed back to Portland after being used as a target for battleship practice and taking two direct hits on her guns. Four of these were mounted on the main deck in casemates on the sides of the hull and suffered from the same problems as the six-inch guns. There are large chains on her. [57][58] At the top of the Incline Road is the abandoned Old Engine Shed that once served the cable-operated inclined railway that ran to Castletown through the Navy Dockyard that is now Portland Port. However, it is tidal. Fore and aft bulkheads, 1614-inch (406356mm) thick respectively, closed off the ends of the central citadel at the level of the waterline. WebWith the weather at gale force, the tug started to tow the Aeolian Sky into the storm to try to make the shelter of Portland Harbour. [54] It is Grade II Listed. Foylebank - Part Three", "Subterranea Britannica: Sites: Portland underground Naval Headquarters & Communications Centre", "Northern Chiswell and Northern Fortuneswell", "Maritime Archaeology Trust Maritime Archaeology Trust, HWTMA Mulberry Harbour", "MULBERRY HARBOUR, TWO SECTIONS CIRCA 115 METRES NORTH OF PIER (1203075)", "BBC ON THIS DAY | 13 | 1961: Five Britons accused of spying for Moscow", "Portland's naval history ends as last warship sails", "EGDP Portland Heliport - Helicopter Database", "Dorset Coast Landscape and Seascape Assessment", "Portland Port's 26m deep-water berth upgrade set to start", "Asylum seeker barge plan could face legal challenge", "History - WPNSA - Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy", "Details from listed building database (1203106)", "Details from listed building database (1205991)", "Details from listed building database (1281863)", "Details from listed building database (1002412)", "Details from listed building database (1205814)", "Details from listed building database (1280475)", "Details from listed building database (1203099)", "Details from listed building database (1203074)", "Visitor centre for Island (From Dorset Echo)", "Details from listed building database (1389124)", Coxswain Edward Palmer, awarded BEM for rescue work following the sinking of HMS Foylebank in Portland Harbour, July 1940, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Portland_Harbour&oldid=1152429965, Ports and harbours of the English Channel, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2016, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2014, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Floating Dry Dock Development at Queen's Pier. She took part in combined exercises of the Channel Fleet, Mediterranean Fleet, and Home Fleet off the coast of Portugal from 5 to 9 August 1903. From scenic shore dives to passenger liners and U-Boatslying on the seabed theres a dive for every level of experience. A 2200 ton British merchant ship that was torpedoed and sunk in February 1917. to British and foreign naval vessels. A 6127 ton French liner which was torpedoed by a German E boat in 1940. Visibility in this area can sometimes be as good as 20 metres and it is a much rewarding dive for underwater hunters. These have a total length of 4.57km (2.84mi) and enclose approximately 1,000ha (2,500 acres) of water. Be careful in poor visibility as it is easy to find oneself in the wreck without even knowing it! Portland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. LOST OFF OF PORTLAND WITH ALL LIVES JANUARY 26TH 1932, ITEMS RETRIEVED FROM WRECK OF HM SUBMARINE M2. CARGO WAS TIMBER. She finished her sea trials in May 1893[14] and was commissioned on 1 June 1893 at the cost of 926,396. Formerly the Marie this iron wreck ship was sunk by a German submarine in May 1917. [6], After the war, in 1946, ten Phoenix caissons of the Mulberry Harbour were towed back to Portland, eight of which were later given to the Netherlands to repair storm breaches in the dykes in 1953. read more Shore Diving Portland offers one of the best shore on the South Coast with Chesil Cove being the highlight for many pleasurable scenic dives full of marine life. Partly salvaged, lies on a sand sea bed. The exhibit explores efforts to prevent disaster through the development of lighthouses and other aids to navigation. These new facilities have been identified as part of a master plan and business strategy developed by Portland Port. The site was also the location of a coastal battery, known as A Pier Head Battery, which opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. Seven months later, on 12 December 1900, Hood recommissioned to relieve the elderly ironclad Thunderer as port guard ship at Pembroke Dock. She lies broken but is a good dive and can be clearly made out as a submarine. The top is in 36 metres of water. [45] The harbour is designated as EU shellfish water and supports an important shellfish fishery and a marine ecosystem of high importance for biodiversity. General History Group created on November 15, 2013. WHEN THE CAPTAIN DROVE ASHORE IN CHESIL COVE ON SEPT. 20TH 1930. Having defied an 11-month salvage attempt after its sinking, this undamaged and unique wreck has become a popular dive site in the waters of Lyme Bay. Countess of Erne (7 to 15m). In this section we look at dives available around Portland and inside Portland Marina with links to photos and information on the most popular harbour dives. She stands 8 metres high in some places. This 1080 ton British submarine measures 230 by 24 and sunk in 1924 after a collusion with the HMS Resolution. There is some sea life amid the large rocks. With the advent of the helicopter and its importance as an anti-submarine weapon, an airfield was formed following World War II. All three Boscawen ships were sold in 1906. She stands about 13 metres throughout with her bows to the South and stern to the North. [52] East Weare Camp is Grade II Listed. On descending, follow the wall down until you reach the gravel and sandy bottom at about 18 metres. A British steamship of 4200 tons she was requisitioned by the government during WWI and was torpedoed and sunk on April 15, 1918 en route from London to Newfoundland with a loss of fifty lives. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. WebOn 4 November 1914 Hood was scuttled in Portland harbour to block the Southern Ship Channel, a potential access route for U-boats or for torpedoes fired from outside the harbour. The port also sees various cruise ship calls bringing visitors to the Dorset area. C E HEINKE AND COs DIVING APPARATUS WAS USED IN THE SUCCESSFUL SALVAGE OPERATIONS. 35-40m RANGE: Pomeranian, Moidart, Ailsa Craig, Arfon, Frognor, P555, UB74. [27], In 1862 HMS Britannia was moored at Portland to serve as a training ship for naval cadets. Advertisement. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. Youll find vast information on Portland dive sites from local boat operators. She measures 260 by 32 and stands 7 metres in places. The liberation of Europe in 1945 was marked by a local ceremony in August that year, with the American Ambassador John D. Winant unveiling a stone in Victoria Gardens commemorating the harbour's efforts. She was 518 tons and built in 1864. Can be very prolific sea life. Construction of the harbour began in 1849; when completed in 1872, its 520-hectare (1,300-acre) surface area made it the largest man-made harbour in the world, and remains one of the largest in the world today. the ss bournemouth wrecked on rocks near portland bill 1886. all 160 passengers were rescued. Despite her 1914 scuttling, the Royal Navy included Hood on its sale list in both 1916 and 1917. SHE WAS DEMOLISHED WITH EXPLOSIVES IN 1904. [69] A World War II battery observation post survives. It is believed there have been at least 1,000 shipwrecks along the Dorset coast over the centuries. She went first to Malta for temporary repairs, then on to England for permanent repairs at Chatham Dockyard, using her twin screws to steer for the entire voyage. If youre looking for local, recreational diving, whether it be wrecks, reefs or drift, check out the. Given the depth and limited tidal range, the predominant habitat within the Harbour is one that is truly marine. It is an interesting dive that leads to the wheel house and exposed engine at the stern. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the shelter of Balaclava bay, right in front of the large winch and many anchors that can be spotted from see. King George V watched aerial displays from the royal yacht in the harbour in May 1912. [51] In addition to this, The 'E' section of the battery is Grade II Listed and has become a scheduled monument too. One of the few large wrecks on the East side of the bill. This 1300 ton armed merchant steamship was torpedoed by a German U boat and sank in 1918 while carrying railway lines. [68] During World War II a petroleum warfare site consisting of four flame throwers were located on 'A' Head. [36], Having suffered bomb damage, the ARDU had transferred out to Fairlie for the duration of the war. However the opportunity did not develop until the end of the 20th century, with the withdrawal of the Royal Navy. A major government project, the construction work had become Dorset's greatest tourist attraction of its time. [34], During both World War I and II, the bay was filled with neutral ships at anchor waiting to be searched for materials that might be useful to the enemy. Sunk as a blockship across the South Ship Channel of Portland Harbour. Additionally Osprey Quay became an 80 acres regeneration project commissioned by South West Regional Development Agency in 2001. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. She measures 230 by 30 and is fairly broken up lying North to South with its highest point 6 to 7 metres off the sea bed. WebHarbour Wrecks Easily accessibly via Dive Boats shuttling out of Portland Marina and Castletown these wrecks are shallower than 20m and can be dived on all state of tides. WebWith the weather at gale force, the tug started to tow the Aeolian Sky into the storm to try to make the shelter of Portland Harbour. The 728 ton wreck is well broken and is believed to be well salvaged. SCHOONER DEVORAN. However at 03:45 on the 4 th November 1979 she took on too much water and sank 5 miles south of St Aldhelm's Head, still 12 miles from the safety of Portland. [76], The Weymouth end breakwater features the C Pier Head Battery on the southern tip. However, the area is notoriously dangerous, with areas such as Portland Race and The Shambles requiring sailors to be wary due to strong tides and rocky shores. In 1944 emplacements were constructed to replace the 12-pounder guns with 6-pounders. (Harbour wall to 16m.) A purpose-built pier projecting into the harbour from the factory was used for torpedo testing and practice firing. Both seacocks and explosives were used to sink her, but she rolled to port and capsized onto seabed. It was decommissioned two years later, but not before the establishment under its command of a 'listening school' to help develop hydrophone underwater listening devices and other anti-submarine measures, and to train personnel in their use. DURING THICK FOG ON THE 16TH JANUARY 1920, SHE DROVE STRAIGHT ONTO THE ROCKS, NORTH OF BLACKNOR POINT, PORTLAND. The wreckage itself is pretty much broken up and is in two parts but offers good swim throughs and plenty of fish, squid? STEAM TRAWLER B2 "TURENNE". Dutch steamship of 6800 tons mined and sunk in 1939 just East of the adamant shoal, approximately 500 long. For details and photos visit our COUNTESS OF ERNE page. The wreck was blown by explosives to clear the way for the Winfrith pipeline. Divers are advised to watch their depth as the area has a number of drop-offs. Landing Craft and Bombardon Unit (17-19m). This occasion saw a biplane demonstrate the first British flight from a moving ship, and afterwards the king took the first ever royal trip in a submarine. One vessel which experienced more than her fair share of bad luck was the Preveza. THE ROCKET LINE ENABLED RESCUE OF CREW BUT THE 2ND MATE HAD A LEG AMPUTATED AND THE COOK WENT MAD AND HAD TO BE CONSTRAINED. [14] She arrived at Malta on 3 July 1893, relieving the battleship Colossus. The ship carried 200 rounds for each gun. [14], On 25 June 1903 Hood relieved the battleship Collingwood in the Home Fleet. MYRTLEDENE RAN ASHORE ON MARCH 25TH 1912 THIS SHIP WAS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH ITS CARGO OF IRON ORE FOR 100, BUT NEVER SOLD. [17], As part of further defence works against the threat of torpedo attack, construction of the harbour's two northern breakwaters was carried out between 1893-1906. WebFate: Sunk 04 November 1914 as a blockship for southern entrance to Portland Harbour, designed to stop U-boats entering or firing torpedoes into Channel Fleet anchorage. As part of the NRDA process, separate from the EPA cleanup process, NOAA and its co-trustees are conducting an injury assessment at the site. She displaced 14,780 long tons (15,020t) at normal load and 15,588 long tons (15,838t) at deep load. WebStrong ebb currents pushing against the opposing forces of the ocean can build enormous swells in a very short time, threatening to overcome unprepared ships crossing the river bars. WebPortland Harbour is located beside the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. The stern is complete and amidship there is an engine and boiler. The M2 is a one-of-a-kind submarine aircraft carrier which sank off Portland in 1932 during routine exercises (see panel). Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". She is broken up and difficult to locate. Renamed Jascon 27, the ship left Portland under tow in 2010, bound for Nigeria, to be refurbished for use as an oil industry accommodation vessel. WebThe Portland Harbor Museum's exhibit presents the variety of shipwreck causes, both man-made and natural that occurred over the years. The Dredger lies right outside of Portland Harbour within the sheltered bay of Balaclava (in front of the large winch). In its entirety, the Harbour is an ecosystem of very high importance including a number of nationally important habitats and species. A well-broken steamship of about 2000 tons standing 6 metres off the sea bed. This WWII destroyer is a war grave and was lost to German aircraft torpedo attack in June 1944 with 150 souls on board. Repairs took only two days, and the ship left Sheerness for the Mediterranean on 18 June 1893. [20] In 1905, the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse was erected on the southern end of northeast breakwater, where it continues to operate today.[21]. [25], Support facilities for the fleet were also added over time, including a canteen and recreation ground. Visible Anyone can find this group. WebPortland harbour wrecks accessible by boat only. This 4600 ton three masted steamer was launched in 1853 and after serving in the Crimean war as a large troopship, was sold as a coal hulk. a detailed report on this accident can be read by clicking here. It is badly broken up with large pieces of machinery present and lying in a rock shingle sea bed. [53] One of the most dominant of the defence structures is the Portland Breakwater Fort, located on one of the outer breakwaters. This is a WWII experimental wave breaking unit apparently made for the D-Day landings sitting off the Landing Craft and can be done as part of a Landing Craft dive. ALL 160 PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED. Depending on the tide, divers can get a good drift dive in this area. WebDespite weather warnings (which the captain may or may not have received), the ship headed northeast out of the harbor on a track to Portland, Maine. Her wreck became known as "Old Hole in the Wall". [16] Thereafter, the squadron maintained order on Crete until the island's status finally was resolved by the evacuation of all Ottoman Army forces from Crete in November 1898 and the establishment of an autonomous Cretan State under Ottoman suzerainty in December 1898. She stands 6 metres high in some places. Tide flow in this area can give divers a drift of up to 2 knots. With a long maritime history, the Portland coastline and harbour has seen many kinds of ships sail through its waters. [3], The lower freeboard was required by her use of armoured gun turretsa heavy type of rotating gun mounting of the mid-and-late 19th century very different from what would later be known as "turrets". PORTLAND, Ore. A driver died after crashing on NE Marine Drive early Monday morning, according to Portland police. Aside from the East Weare Battery, and other related constructions, there are a number of defences built within the harbour's dockyard and surrounding area. There is a small area of inter-tidal habitat, particularly on the northern and western shores. [37] The AUWE later became infamous for espionage infiltration, known as the Portland Spy Ring.[38].